Location: Kigali, Rwanda

The AfDB Rwanda field office (RWFO) participated in celebrations marking the country's classification as the world's top reformer following the publication of the World Bank's "Doing Business 2010" report which places the country at 67th position, up from 143rd in a previous edition.

Launched globally on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the report was released in Kigali by the World Bank's Acting Vice President in charge of Financial and Private Sector Development, Penelope Brook, in a ceremony chaired by Rwanda's Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza. Also present at the ceremony were other cabinet members, including Trade and Industry Minister, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, and Information Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, as well as members of the diplomatic corp. Representatives of international institutions, the civil society and the business community also attended. The AfDB was represented by its Rwanda field office resident representative, Jacob Diko Mukete.

The key areas of reform considered by the report include starting a business employing workers, getting credit (legal rights), protecting investors, registering property, closing a business and trading across borders. According to the report, Rwanda is the 5th highest ranking African country after Mauritius (17th), South Africa (34th), Botswana (45th) and Namibia (66th).

Speaking during the event, Prime Minister Makuza underscored efforts made by the government, the civil society and the private sector in implementing reforms within the legal framework that will enable the country to become a leading destination for investments. He said his government would redouble its reform implementation efforts to enable the country attain sustainable socio-economic development. He added that the government would also deepen its reforms to enable the country achieve higher rankings in the future. Ms. Brook, for her part, commended Rwanda's impressive progress marked by significant business regulations put in place during the global financial and economic crisis.

The AfDB resident representative also commended significant strides made by the country and its determination to pursue bold and market-oriented reforms. He stressed that along with efforts by the government to develop its economic infrastructure for private sector development and to bridge the skills gap in science, technology and innovation, the reforms will help attract private sector investment, and also pave the way for Rwanda to achieve its ambition of becoming a regional logistics and services hub.

Contacts

Felix Njoku